Trouble Shooting electrical problem
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Trouble Shooting electrical problem
Anyone have any idea what would cause "charging system failure" to come on the dash, car to break down and not start for roughly 20 minutes, then is able to start when hooked up to jumper cables and drives normal after. anything ring a bell?
Pro
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 580
Likes: 1
From: Chicago Suburb
St. Jude Donor '13
Troubleshooting Electrical Problem
There are a number of people that can help you with this. I am probably not one of them, but the first question they will ask is "...any codes?"
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
Alternator and/or associated ground issue. I have seen a post on charging issues caused by a bad ground. If I recall the ground is near the battery, but below it. I can get you more info if you need, just not home now.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,507
Likes: 9
Test BATTERY FIRST, a bad battery will DESTROY an alternator quite quickly. Then get a voltmeter out and test the output voltage. I have found bad alternators that test GOOD at the parts store many times. The only GOOD way to test an alternator is with a scope or graphing voltmeter to make sure your getting clean (almost DC) out of the alternator. I'm betting your battery is TOAST, better hope it hasn't taken your alternator with it.
